Gun control advocates in Ulster sign petition

KINGSTON — Ulster gun rights enthusiasts have flexed their muscles in recent weeks, showing up by the hundreds to oppose New York's new gun law.

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By Michael Novinson

recordonline.com

By Michael Novinson

Posted Feb. 13, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By Michael Novinson
Posted Feb. 13, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

KINGSTON — Ulster gun rights enthusiasts have flexed their muscles in recent weeks, showing up by the hundreds to oppose New York's new gun law.

Now, gun control advocates are finally firing back.

Nearly 270 residents have signed an online petition opposing Ulster County's proposed call for a repeal of the newly enacted gun regulations.

"We do not see (the Second Amendment) as a rights that trumps all other rights, including the right of citizens to be free from deadly violence," reads part of the resolution.

Dave Channon of Shandaken posted the three paragraph petition Sunday on MoveOn's Internet petition platform. He learned about the county's proposal after working against a similar resolution in Shandaken, which passed Feb. 4.

"It seems unfair to speak for the county unless you have a referendum," Channon said.

Channon hopes his advocacy will reassure sympathetic Ulster lawmakers who fear opposing pro-gun legislation would be political suicide. .

The whole county Legislature will take up the resolution Tuesday. It was sponsored by the entire GOP caucus — which controls 12 of 23 legislative seats — and already received the support of two Democrats in committee.

Carl Belfiglio, R-Port Ewen, said he's heard from 40 gun rights advocates over the past month, but has only been contacted by one person backing tougher gun measures. Belfiglio said he'll review the petition but doesn't think it's likely they'll change his mind.

"We have a right to defend ourselves," Belfiglio said. "And that right is slowly being whittled away by small, regional legislation."